Just wanted to share this. I am sure you will find something interesting you can use in the classroom. Have fun! All you need to do is just click on the link
:: e-Learning for Kids ::
Sunday, July 4, 2010
SEA Again!
Hey, I am so happy that I just had to share. Remember the SEA results, well my student made it in the top 95%. It was a first for my school.I cried until I had no more tears. I just want her to know that I am proud of her and St. Augustine Girls' High will receive a wonderful, hard working individual.
What was I saying about blogging on Sunday? See Ya.
What was I saying about blogging on Sunday? See Ya.
Something to Consider
In keeping with the government’s Vision 2020 and in pursuit of quality education for all, we must acknowledge that change is not about putting pen to paper but rather it is a new way of thinking! We are being exposed to an abundance of Web 2.0 Technology and yes as future reading specialists we are exploring new ways of incorporating this in the education system. There is something we must consider which is that policy makers and administrators must buy into this technological growth.
Take this simple example; we are still forced by some administrators to keep records in an exercise book. I remember telling my colleague that he can access his students’ information on my flash drive and seek advice if needed. He looked at me in amazement and suggested to keep the records in an exercise book. This is not the age of the dinosaur and I firmly believe that this archaic thinking should dissolve and allow a modern progressive system to emerge. If we want programs and assessments that provide opportunities for mastery of skills, we must create an environment to allow this to happen. Hats off though to those leaders who are passionate about their jobs, are creative and willing to try new strategies to enhance teaching and learning! Let us all do what it takes for our children to be successful.
It is Sunday, school is closed and what I am doing blogging? Going to visit mom.Later.
Take this simple example; we are still forced by some administrators to keep records in an exercise book. I remember telling my colleague that he can access his students’ information on my flash drive and seek advice if needed. He looked at me in amazement and suggested to keep the records in an exercise book. This is not the age of the dinosaur and I firmly believe that this archaic thinking should dissolve and allow a modern progressive system to emerge. If we want programs and assessments that provide opportunities for mastery of skills, we must create an environment to allow this to happen. Hats off though to those leaders who are passionate about their jobs, are creative and willing to try new strategies to enhance teaching and learning! Let us all do what it takes for our children to be successful.
It is Sunday, school is closed and what I am doing blogging? Going to visit mom.Later.
Inspire me with Webspiration
I simply love it. I saw this technology being used during my B. ed and it heightened my curiosity. That was in the year 2005 and today this software inspires me as much as it did so many years ago. Webspiration is excellent especially in teaching the content areas such as science and social studies. The students can use concept mapping to organize their ideas and make their projects come to life. My children will enjoy using the maps to plan assignments and even to create study time tables. In September, I will be teaching a student with a severe reading challenge but he is a visual learner. Concept mapping will definitely hold his interests so therefore I will plan lessons and set goals to incorporate Webspiration in my classroom.
This brings me to another pertinent point. Using technology in the classroom takes time and planning. I ask myself the question that other educators will ask, do we have time to effectively plan and ensure that learning takes place. Let me be honest and share my views. This is an examination driven society and many teachers concentrate on National Tests and the competitive Secondary Entrance Assessment Examination. The curriculum is loaded and in some instances is not always well delivered. Policy makers and administrators need to assist in tailoring time tables to cater for a technological learning environment. Sadly, some of us are limited to one period per week in the computer labs and this can never be sufficient. Others may be lucky to work in a flexible learning environment but face it, if we don’t get the support we need at our schools, this intervention will never be successful.
I will continue this discussion in my next blog so be safe, enjoy your holidays and catch yuh later!
This brings me to another pertinent point. Using technology in the classroom takes time and planning. I ask myself the question that other educators will ask, do we have time to effectively plan and ensure that learning takes place. Let me be honest and share my views. This is an examination driven society and many teachers concentrate on National Tests and the competitive Secondary Entrance Assessment Examination. The curriculum is loaded and in some instances is not always well delivered. Policy makers and administrators need to assist in tailoring time tables to cater for a technological learning environment. Sadly, some of us are limited to one period per week in the computer labs and this can never be sufficient. Others may be lucky to work in a flexible learning environment but face it, if we don’t get the support we need at our schools, this intervention will never be successful.
I will continue this discussion in my next blog so be safe, enjoy your holidays and catch yuh later!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Wow the Wiki!
For those who may have any misconceptions about wikis, this little note may assist in bringing some clarity.
Please feel free to comment or add any necessary information.
A wiki is a type of website that allows visitors themselves to add, remove, edit and change available web based context. This functionality means that wikis are excellent tools for collaboration online. In today’s classroom this tool can be used to enhance teaching and learning and also increase motivation. Let me also suggests some other benefits of the wiki. 1. The user needs no extensive technical expertise. 2. The user can always access current information. 3. The user can avoid transferring documents via e-mail and 4. One can complete real time updates of the web based content.
Here are just a few suggestions of ways to use the wiki in the classroom and remember that we also have an electronic portfolio to create. Why not use the wiki in the creation of study guides or a class encyclopedia, what about for editing in creative writing, even a vocabulary list and finally and my favourite, a book club. Well have fun and please share any other ideas!!
Please feel free to comment or add any necessary information.
A wiki is a type of website that allows visitors themselves to add, remove, edit and change available web based context. This functionality means that wikis are excellent tools for collaboration online. In today’s classroom this tool can be used to enhance teaching and learning and also increase motivation. Let me also suggests some other benefits of the wiki. 1. The user needs no extensive technical expertise. 2. The user can always access current information. 3. The user can avoid transferring documents via e-mail and 4. One can complete real time updates of the web based content.
Here are just a few suggestions of ways to use the wiki in the classroom and remember that we also have an electronic portfolio to create. Why not use the wiki in the creation of study guides or a class encyclopedia, what about for editing in creative writing, even a vocabulary list and finally and my favourite, a book club. Well have fun and please share any other ideas!!
Sea Results!
Hey, results were great! Eight children sat the examination and two scored total in Creative Writing. If you knew the history of my students you would understand why I still have a huge smile on my face.We must never give up.Our rewards are seeing our children succeed!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Magic of the Word Processor
An age ole’ tool but can produce wonders in the classroom! I want to share with you my experience because I firmly believe that as educators we learn best from our experiences and the experiences of others.
When I received my students in Standard Four many were weak readers and as a result weak writers. We had just designed our computer lab so my job was to make use of all the computers or let all that money go to waste! The opportunity arose for me to use the word processor to enhance writing. So this is what I did. Using the writing process, students planned, drafted, edited, revised and published their work….and this is what happened.
The students used headers to outline the essays and texts to fill the appropriate headings. The word processor made it easy to rearrange items on the document. Drafting was the next stage and I paired students for this activity- a good typist and one with great ideas. Students then edited their work. The word processor can be used as an excellent spell check and even to detect some grammatical errors. Well, publishing was indeed fun. The students were able to choose their fonts, layouts, even add visuals and they presented excellent work. Most importantly, the students were motivated and wanted to write more. I did this for two years and we all benefitted immensely. Their writing definitely improved. Well, SEA results will be out tomorrow so I will get back to you on their performance.
I am enjoying this class and can't wait to use the technology in the classroom!
When I received my students in Standard Four many were weak readers and as a result weak writers. We had just designed our computer lab so my job was to make use of all the computers or let all that money go to waste! The opportunity arose for me to use the word processor to enhance writing. So this is what I did. Using the writing process, students planned, drafted, edited, revised and published their work….and this is what happened.
The students used headers to outline the essays and texts to fill the appropriate headings. The word processor made it easy to rearrange items on the document. Drafting was the next stage and I paired students for this activity- a good typist and one with great ideas. Students then edited their work. The word processor can be used as an excellent spell check and even to detect some grammatical errors. Well, publishing was indeed fun. The students were able to choose their fonts, layouts, even add visuals and they presented excellent work. Most importantly, the students were motivated and wanted to write more. I did this for two years and we all benefitted immensely. Their writing definitely improved. Well, SEA results will be out tomorrow so I will get back to you on their performance.
I am enjoying this class and can't wait to use the technology in the classroom!
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